Grand Prairie vs Houston: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Grand Prairie, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Prairie, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,150▲ | $84,283 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.57▲ | $40.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,487▲ | $60,496 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,188▲ | $60,496 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,592▲ | $135,718 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,732▲ | $189,031 |
| Total Employed | 43 | 390▲ |
Verdict
Grand Prairie, TX offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Grand Prairie and Houston is $45,867 (54.42%). Grand Prairie's median is -2.99% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Prairie spans $126,245,Houston spans $128,535. Houston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced actuarys.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Prairie ($135,573 effective) pays 58.65% more than Houston ($85,455 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Prairie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,150/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($201,732)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,573)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Grand Prairie grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -15.6% growth in Houston over the same period.
Grand Prairie, TX
$124,173 (2024) → $126,114 (2025)
Houston, TX
$96,750 (2019) → $81,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Prairie, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in life insurance. She specializes in risk assessment and pricing strategies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov